Women are some of the most vulnerable victims of war, forced from their homes and countries, they are often victims of psychological, physical and sexual abuse. More often than not, they suffer in silence, without any safe haven to offer respite or assistance. JRS strives to provide women who are vulnerable with places where they not only feel safe, but can also freely express themselves and engage in activities that increase their self-esteem and self-awareness.

Women's activities that JRS MENA provides are designed to meet the women's needs - as expressed by the women themselves - and to promote gender equality and provide skills-training in the hope that these women can positively and actively contribute to their households and communities.Close >

Syria: examining the role of women from a humanitarian perspective in response to conflictSyria, 13 October 2014 – During the anti-apartheid years in South Africa, the phrase "strike a woman and you strike a rock" was popularised by the growing involvement of women in the struggle. In Syria, the role of women has taken on a less aggressive, but no less significant role.Read More >>>

Jordan: space to be togetherIrbid, 27 June 2014 – In an unassuming building on a quiet street in Irbid, you'll find Syrian mothers dressed alike in heavy black coats and hijabs chatting around a conference table over bread and coffee while their children attend kindergarten in the room next door. It's crammed, but they are used to it now, many living in crowded apartments since they arrived in Jordan.Read More >>>

Syria: working under principles of neutrality, non-violence and inclusivenessChicago, 15 April 2014 – Loyola University Chicago and ART WORKS Projects for Human Rights hosted the symposium, 'Sanctuary and Sustenance: Syria and the Plight of Refugees' on Monday, 7 April. Scholars, faculty, practitioners and refugees examined the current political crisis in Syria from a range of perspectives and disciplines. During the day-long symposium Angela Wells spoke on behalf of the Jesuit Refugee Service about humanitarian assistance and religious intervention.Read More >>>

Syria: working under principles of neutrality, non-violence and inclusivenessChicago, 15 April 2014 – Loyola University Chicago and ART WORKS Projects for Human Rights hosted the symposium, 'Sanctuary and Sustenance: Syria and the Plight of Refugees' on Monday, 7 April. Scholars, faculty, practitioners and refugees examined the current political crisis in Syria from a range of perspectives and disciplines. During the day-long symposium Angela Wells spoke on behalf of the Jesuit Refugee Service about humanitarian assistance and religious intervention.Read More >>>

Syria: in conflict, persecution affects Muslims and Christians alikeDamascus, 28 February 2014 – Radicalised violence, displacement and poverty affect Syrians of all creeds. In what has always been a complex society, with many layers of social, religious and economic diversity, perpetrators of violence have been able to manipulate this heterogeneity to sow divisions among the population.Read More >>>

Jordan: empowering womenAmman, 5 March 2013 – The life-skills class is packed. Up to 40 women fill the classroom and there is a lively atmosphere as Furdous, their teacher from Iraq, makes them go over the English alphabet yet again.Read More >>>

Syria: painting as a form of self-expression, a workshop for women at Deir Vartan Aleppo, 29 May 2012 - Tucked away in the heart of Aleppo, at Deir Vartan Centre, JRS organises specific activities for female refugees of all ages, living in and around Aleppo. In an attempt to combine recreation and increasing self-awareness, an art workshop was organised.Read More >>>